Military service members give up their freedom in service to the country. They have little control over where their chain of command stations them. They may sometimes spend months separated from their loved ones during training and deployment. They may have to put their lives on the line as part of their service.
Occasionally, service members experience challenges that force them to attend to personal matters. Generally speaking, they usually need to communicate with their chain of command about their needs and seek prior authorization or leave before they attend to their personal issues.
Those accused of going absent without leave (AWOL) are at risk of military disciplinary action that could have significant consequences. They may face military disciplinary proceedings that could culminate in life-altering penalties.
The longer the absence, the harsher the penalties
Any absence without prior authorization could potentially lead to military discipline. The longer a service member remains AWOL, the greater the potential implications of their situation.
The specific consequences depend on the duration of the unapproved leave. If the service member was AWOL for less than three days, that is a minor AWOL offense. The potential penalties include forfeiture of pay, a demotion or even confinement.
If the service member is away for 30 days or longer, they are at risk of more severe consequences. They could face dishonorable discharge, up to a year of confinement and even a total forfeiture of pay.
In cases where people seemingly intend to remain absent permanently, their chain of command can accuse them of desertion. In such cases, the service member faces punishment that could include a life sentence.
Dishonorable discharge and other controversies surrounding military service can cause lasting challenges for the service member. They may have difficulty obtaining employment because of a dishonorable discharge. The loss of pay could also cause financial hardship.
Those accused of going AWOL may be able to fight the accusations they face. There may be reasonable explanations for an absence. Other times, it may be possible to negotiate lenient terms in return for cooperation. The best outcomes are often the result of professional advocacy.
Service members facing military discipline need assistance if they want to secure the best outcome possible. Retaining the services of an attorney familiar with military disciplinary proceedings can make a major difference for those accused of going AWOL.